Photo: Rafaëlla Waasdorp via Unsplash.com

From the Superior National Forest - July 10, 2024

The Superior National Forest (NF) has had several inquiries from visitors and media outlets, specifically citing ‘confusion’ from the BWCAW Recreation.gov Go-Live FAQ regarding dog leash rules, published in January 2024. Found on the BWCAW FAQ page #16, it asks, "What responsibilities do you have if you bring a dog?" Answer: "Dogs must be always under human control on a 6-foot or shorter leash. Dogs endanger wildlife and barking intrudes on the experience. Dispose of dog waste 200 feet from water, campsites, portages, or put it in a latrine. Annually, visitors lose dogs within the BWCAW due to a run-away or wildlife encounter, please follow the law to protect your dog and wildlife."

The regulation is consistent across the National Forest System (nationwide) and applies to ‘developed recreation’ sites, including those within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. ‘Developed recreation sites’ include campgrounds, campsites, boat landings, hiking trails, portages, fishing piers, etc. Some inquiries asked if their dog needed to be leashed in their canoe in the middle of the lake? No, your canoe is not considered a developed recreation site. Once you are landing at a portage or boat ramp you are then considered in a developed recreation site. The most consistent inquiry since January - What if a person is actively hunting, can a dog be off leash for hunting purposes? Yes.

“With respect to hunting, if you are participating in an active hunt, you can have your dog off-leash,” said Cathy Quinn, Assistant Manager of Wilderness on the Superior NF. “If you are engaged in an active hunt and you’re out with a hunting dog that’s going to retrieve birds or point birds, you can have your dog off-leash.”

This national regulation falls under 36 CFR 261.16J - Bringing in or possessing an animal, other than a seeing eye dog, unless it is crated, caged, or upon a leash not longer than six feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control. The regulation is in place to reduce accidents and liability from unleashed pets towards other pets, people recreating, and wildlife. The regulation is important for safer and more enjoyable recreation experiences in a National Forest. 

The Superior NF will continue to promote safe recreation experiences for all visitors. The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) may help clarify the rules and regulations for dog owners visiting the Superior National Forest.

1.    Does the Superior NF have a "leash law?"

The following is prohibited within Developed Recreation Sites under 36 CFR 261.16J: Bringing in or possessing an animal, other than a seeing eye dog, unless it is crated, caged, or upon a leash not longer than six feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control.

In addition, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness rules and regulations state: “Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash or shorter at all times. Dogs can endanger wildlife and barking intrudes on the experience. Dispose of dog waste 200 feet from water, campsites, and portages, or put it in a latrine. Annually, visitors lose dogs within the BWCAW due to a run-away or wildlife encounter, please follow the law to protect your dog and wildlife."

2.   What is the legal consequence, if any, if someone is in the Superior NF including BWCA Wilderness, and does not have their dog on a 6-foot leash or shorter? (a ticket, fine, asked to leave the wilderness, etc.?)

The minimum fine is $50.

3.   Did a Superior NF official recently change or adjust the language in the "leash law?"

No. We recently included the official language from the regulation that has been in existence for many years across the Nation, on the Superior NF and also visible on the back of BWCAW permits to provide clarification. In recent years we have received feedback from the public, recreation managers, and wilderness rangers regarding dogs “misbehaving” on trails, portages, and campsites not just in the BWCAW, but in other areas of the Superior National Forest. In sharing the official language from the code of federal regulations we hope to raise awareness and educate visitors regarding responsible dog handling while visiting a National Forest.  

4.   Does the leash law for dogs apply to duck hunters and grouse hunters in the BWCAW?

Hunting with a dog off-leash is allowed if taking place outside of developed recreation sites (campsites, campgrounds, boat landings, portages, trailheads, etc.). If on a designated trail, hunters may have dogs off-leash while actively engaged in hunting. Remember, if hunting on a trail, you can only shoot away from the trail corridor, not down or across a trail.

5.   Does a dog need to be on a leash while in a canoe or the water in the BWCA wilderness?

No, a dog only needs to be on a leash in a developed recreation area such as a campsite, portage, trail, picnic area, or fishing pier.

The Superior NF appreciates the public's willingness to inquire, allowing Forest Service staff the ability to provide feedback and develop additional communication efforts to ensure visitors and residents of the Superior NF enjoy their experiences.